India maul Namibia by 93 runs
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India maul Namibia by 93 runs

India produced a commanding all-round performance to thrash Namibia by 93 runs in their T20 World Cup Group A match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday, surging to the top of the table with four points from two games.

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Electing to bat first after Namibia won the toss, India exploded out of the blocks. Opener Ishan Kishan blazed a breathtaking 61 off just 24 balls, hammering five sixes and six fours to bring up his fifty in a mere 20 deliveries. His assault dismantled Namibiaโ€™s pace attack early, propelling India past 100 in the seventh over.

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Hardik Pandya then took charge with a destructive 52 off 28 balls, forging an 81-run stand for the fifth wicket alongside Shivam Dube (23 off 16). India looked set for a massive total at 199/4 heading into the 19th over, but a sensational collapse saw five wickets tumble for just four runs. Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus was the star with the ball, claiming 4/20 in his four overs with clever side-arm variations and deceptive lengths that troubled the middle order.

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Chasing 210, Namibiaโ€™s chase never took off against Indiaโ€™s varied bowling attack. Varun Chakaravarthy struck early blows, while Hardik Pandya returned with two wickets, including a near-hattrick spell in the death overs. Jasprit Bumrah delivered a searing yorker to castle Ruben Trumpelmann, and Shivam Dube sealed the win when Zane Green (11 off 19) knocked off his own bails attempting a reverse paddle.

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Namibia were bundled out for 116 all out in 18.2 overs. Every Indian bowler picked up at least one wicket in a clinical display that showcased depth and discipline.

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Sanju Samsonโ€™s quick 22 off 8 (three sixes) and Suryakumar Yadavโ€™s measured 12 offered glimpses of intent but failed to convert, while Tilak Varma (25) fell to Erasmusโ€™s guile. Kishanโ€™s explosive consistency stood out as the difference-maker.

India now lead Group A ahead of Pakistan on net run rate and face their arch-rivals in Colombo on Sunday. Namibia remain winless.



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